Ol� Dirty Basstard

I use the Daiwa T3-B as well. It's perfect for this, IMO. You cast and engage the spool with one hand. Brilliant! Still on clearance last time I checked. I suggest you look at the newer T-Wing Daiwa, the Tatula, though. They went back to a more traditional frame.

I hoped you snatched that bad boy up!?

One reel manufacturer and one rod brand. It's efficient. Rod action is so different from brand to brand. This way, I know exactly what I'm getting. It stops me from wasting time and money on the latest and greatest product of the month too.

You're gonna drop 400 clams on a new combo and you've never fished a Senko? IMHO Wammiee, a $200 reel and a $200 rod, from any company, will put you in a class of gear that you will find little to complain about. My recommendation is to actually handle as many rods & reels as you can. A higher price doesn't always equal the best set-up for you. Like folks have already pointed out, there are great reels, like the Pluegers and the new Lews, that are't budget busters. But get something that feels good in your hand my man! Don't hesitate to pull a few rods from the rack and mount the reels your interested in right there in the shop. You'll be surprised by how many combos, even expensive ones, will feel unbalanced, or bulky or even too small, when you actually do this. But if you're set on popping your cork all at once; maybe you have a gift card or something, you might not want to make it an even split. Myself, I'd put more of my money towards a sensitive rod; especially if I plan on worm fishing with it. Happy shopping!

Those will go perfect with my electric toothbrush that's also a walkie-talkie. And only $87.65 with $13-23 shipping? SOLD!

What the... Where am I?

I am a NetBait nut. But none of the new baits are calling to me; not a one. I will try out that Chatterbait trailer though.

Good list Gangley. I'll add... First aid kit (or at least some tape & band aids for your tackle box) Sunscreen Spare hat Line pick Hook sharpener I have a mini retractable box cutter that I use much more than clippers An oar I find binoculars handy for scouting shoreline Rain suit Fire extinguisher Ziplock bags Spare bottle of water (or 2) Spare pair of long-nosed pliers Throw cushion (and anything else your DNR requires) While this sounds like a lot, I don't have a big fancy boat and most of this fits in 2 (small) plastic storage bind under each seat.

In some states the boat isn't titled but the TRAILER is.

Nailed it!

Fenwick has always been good to me. $12 to cover shipping. That is it.

I heard Denny Brauer relly likes 'em.

Fuel stabilizer Marine gear oil Fogging spray Earmuffs Garden hose Screwdriver and ratchet set An oil pan or whatever container you want to catch the old lube

I suggest you do what the guy who told you about the spot, and caught 20 pounds easy on the same lure , said to do.

I suggest you do what the guy who told you about the spot, and caught 20 pounds easy on the same lure , said to do.

I suggest you do what the guy who told you about the spot, and caught 20 pounds easy on the same lure , said to do.

Wayne P, you are one of the sharpest blades in the box!

What you are looking for is the Secret Weapon Lures' Recoil rig! http://www.secretweaponlures.com/products/spectastic.htm

I suggest you wait 'till you move to the Badger state before you buy. You will find an amazing number of boats in MN, WI & IL; especially in the Fall. A warranty does give you some assurance, but pre-owned has it's advantages too. The biggest being more bang for your boat buying buck. A quick scan of Craigslists will show you what I mean... http://racine.craigslist.org/boa/1994210435.html http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/2000067295.html http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/1968789055.html http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/boa/1990667234.html

Huh. What does it do when you start it up in the Spring? Jazzy, I'm always amazed at how many folks don't do a thing to their engines come winter. A few freeze warnings are nothing to worry about. But your safest bet will be to store her up for the long cold winter in the coming weeks. Should you decide to skip the shop and go DIY, it's not as intimidating as it sounds. I have no idea who this guy is but, once upon a time, I was in the same boat as you and this helped me: http://lakesidecanvas.com/winterizing_trailer.html

You are right on all of it PF. It's lighter, easier to manage and definitely safer for the kids. I bet you'll be plenty happy going this route. Plus, it's a Lund. Pull the trigger.

Yeah, they can still tangle up with the bands! There's 2 hooks sticking out. But it's nothing like the mess you get with free swinging trebles. I've tried the bonnets too. They are probably the most tangle free option you can go with. However, I got sick of finding those dang purple bonnets all over the place and even more annoyed with the different sizes. They aren't one size fits all.

Small hair bands work wonders. Not the big ones an adult would have; the small ones you'd use to give a toddler pig tails or that fountain on the top of her head. Small elastics for braces too.

That just blew my mind. What was the question?

I have a short rod. : A very sensitive 6'6" MH/F Fenwick Techna AV... and I like it that way. It's great to do research, helms83, but make sure to pick something that feels good to you!